Weather Alert / Bay of Bengal Low Pressure Triggers Heavy Rain Alerts across Odisha

Bhubaneswar, Aug 12: A low-pressure area has formed over the north Bay of Bengal near the West Bengal-Bangladesh coast, accompanied by a cyclonic circulation extending up to 7.6 km above sea level and tilting southwestward.

According to the Regional Meteorological Centre, the system is likely to intensify further and move northwestward within the next 48 hours. Under its influence, widespread rainfall is expected across Odisha until August 16, with heavy to very heavy showers in several districts.

For Wednesday, red warnings have been issued for Baleshwar and Bhadrak districts, forecasting extremely heavy rainfall. Orange warnings have been declared for Jajpur, Kendrapada, Jagatsinghpur, Kataka, Anugola, Kendujhar, Mayurbhanj, and Dhenkanal, where heavy rainfall is likely.

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The Met Centre has also cautioned about squally weather and thunderstorm risks. Baleshwar, Bhadrak, Kendrapada, Kendujhar, Mayurbhanj, Sundargarh, Jharsuguda, Sambalpur, Debagada, Anugola, and Jagatsinghpur districts are under orange alert for thunderstorm activity.

On Thursday, August 13, Keonjhar district will remain under red alert for extremely heavy rainfall. Orange alerts have been issued for Baleshwar, Jajpur, Kataka, Sundargarh, Sambalpur, Debagada, Anugola, Dhenkanal, and Mayurbhanj.

Fishermen have been advised not to venture into the sea until August 14 as coastal waters are expected to remain rough. Wind speeds may reach 40-50 kmph, with gusts up to 60 kmph. The Met Centre has urged fishermen to stay ashore and exercise caution.

Authorities have asked district administrations to remain vigilant, as heavy rainfall could lead to waterlogging, flash floods, and damage to vulnerable structures.

The warnings come at a time when Odisha is already experiencing monsoon showers, raising concerns about possible flooding in low-lying areas.